I am sitting in a specialist surgeon’s office, I’m wearing some worn out jeans and faded grey sweatshirt. On my wrist is my A Lange & Sohne 1815. The expensive by the hour surgeon keeps glancing at my wrist as he discusses my daughter’s condition with my wife. Everything is going well and my daughter’s prognosis looks great. Then out of the blue he asks me “Is that an A. Lange and Sohne?”. I think to myself “what the f @k?” “Yes” I reply. My wife looks at the surgeon, “what are you talking about?”. To which he replies “Oh, your husband is wearing a very serious watch”. Thanks buddy, I am now totally busted.

After the consultation, we get in the car. We haven’t even left the carpark when the Spanish inquisition begins!!

My expensive hobby is now out of the bag, but worth it for this wonderful timepiece. The A Lange & Sohne 1815 was for so long (until that incident) a statement of understatement. A real fly-under-the-radar watch, that makes you smile when you put it on, when you glance at it whilst driving or even during a spouse’s interrogation.

The watch in question, ref 233.026. This 1815 is 40mm in size and white gold. The white gold really makes this an understated piece, even if it is slightly large for my wrist at 40mm. Fortunately, if you so desire there are smaller options in this range.  I found it was best suited for work and more formal occasions, but I could wear it in more relaxed situations without too much hesitation. If you’re looking for a watch that is relatively versatile, understated and drop dead gorgeous, look no further than the A Lange and Sohne 1815.